Teaching colleagues contribute to collection of favorite recipes

Teachers seem to have a way of keeping things just in case it can be used for something in the future. That’s the way I am with recipes. Years ago I began clipping recipes from magazines and newspapers and printing recipes I found online. I have to admit my recipe collection is not as organized as I’d like it to be, but if I dig long enough, I can probably find what I’m looking for.

The following are some recipes I’ve collected over the years, all given to me by my teacher friends at Capitol View Elementary where I began teaching. Teachers are good friends to have. Most are organized and willing to share ideas whether it be lesson plans or recipes.

Fat-Free Apple Coffee CakeAmy Prideaux

As I was going through recipes I’ve clipped over the years, a bright pink paper in the shape of a pig, popped out at me. Most write their recipes on recipe cards, but not my late friend, Amy Prideaux. Amy was a special-education teacher at Capitol View Elementary in Des Moines. For several years Amy and I taught together, and one year our classrooms were next door to each other.

There were so many good qualities about Amy. She was a dedicated teacher and a wonderful friend. My memories of her include lots of laughs and happy times. Amy died tragically in a car accident on the icy interstate on her way to a concert in Omaha in December 2005.

Amy is remembered by her family and friends as cheerful and putting forth the extra effort in everything she did. When I found this recipe for fat-free coffee cake written on pig paper, I smiled and thought of my friend.

After hearing the news of Amy’s death, my friend, Licia Pettit, called to say KCCI wanted to talk to some of Amy’s friends for the nightly news. Licia and I planned to meet at the home of our friend, Kevin Oswald, and his wife, Gwen. At the time Amy, Licia, Kevin and I all taught at Capitol View and we were all good friends, a bit of a foursome. The on-camera interview was a little nerve-wracking, but we all did our best to share our fond memories of Amy. We were all still in shock. That evening, Kevin’s wife, Gwen, a dentist and accomplished gardener and baker, offered us a slice of this cake.

Ten years ago at Capitol View, a fellow teacher, Jill Roehrick, brought this dish to a staff potluck. Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe so Jill sent it out via email. Jill’s husband, John, is a firefighter for Des Moines, and he serves up this “stick to your ribs kind of meal” at the firehouse from time to time.

Melt shortening in a large, heavy Dutch oven. Add flour and stir until blended; then add sausage and bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes. Add shrimp, tomatoes, water, onions, garlic, and parsley. Bring to a boil, add rice and stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, thyme, and red pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender. At this point you may need to add more water. Keep a close eye on it and stir frequently. The finished product should have the consistency of gruel. This dish can be kept warm in a crockpot.

Baked Sour Cream ChickenMolly Hagkull

In 2004 the staff at Capitol View threw me a bridal shower and presented me with a collection of favorite dinner recipes of my colleagues. Molly was a second-grade teacher at the time, but now stays home with her two boys and teaches Kindermusik. This summer Kellan had the opportunity to take a music class with Molly and he loved it.